In cricket, finishers are crucial for pacing the innings and successfully closing matches. Some of the best finishers, known for chasing down tough targets under pressure, are also among the most hated cricketers. Their aggressive style or controversial moments often spark strong opinions.
These players are celebrated for their calmness in the final overs but can be seen as the most hated cricketers due to emotional outbursts or intense rivalries. Regardless, their ability to finish games makes them invaluable to their teams.
Hers’s The list of 5 World Best Finishers in Cricket
| Rank | Player | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Best Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Arjuna Ranatunga | 56 | 27 | 2007 | 131* | 69.20 | 81.78 | 1/3 |
| 4 | AB de Villiers | 59 | 28 | 2566 | 136* | 82.77 | 96.90 | 5/18 |
| 3 | Michael Bevan | 45 | 25 | 1725 | 107 | 86.25 | 66.42 | 3/12 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | 91 | 30 | 5432 | 183 | 89.04 | 97.62 | 22/22 |
| 1 | MS Dhoni | 75 | 47 | 2876 | 183* | 102.71 | 88.00 | 2/20 |
5. Arjuna Ranatunga – Sri Lanka
Arjuna Ranatunga, the captain of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team, was one of the best finishers in cricket and a crucial middle-order batter. Over his 17-year career, he scored 2007 runs at an average of 69.2, remaining unbeaten 27 times. His highest score was 131* in a chase during the 1997 Asia Cup against India. Often considered one of the most hated cricketers, Ranatunga’s ability to perform in pressure situations stood out, showcasing his skills as one of the best finishers in cricket.
In several memorable chases, like the 1983 match against Australia, Ranatunga guided his team to victory with a match-winning 55* off 39 balls. His strategic mind in pressure moments made him one of the best finishers in cricket, especially when his unbeaten 88 in the 1992 World Cup helped Sri Lanka chase over 300 for the first time in World Cup history. Despite being one of the most hated cricketers, his contributions were invaluable in these key moments.
During the 1996 World Cup final, Ranatunga’s leadership was crucial as he scored 47* off 37 balls, helping Sri Lanka chase 285 for their first-ever World Cup win. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations solidified his legacy as one of the best finishers in cricket, earning him respect even from those who labeled him one of the most hated cricketers.
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4. AB de Villiers – South Africa
AB de Villiers, often regarded as one of the best finishers in cricket, is known for his unmatched ability to dominate the game. His innovative and dominant style of play, earning him the nickname “Mr. 360,” allowed him to play shots all around the field. De Villiers proved himself in 59 successful run chases, amassing 2566 runs at an impressive average of 82.77 and a strike rate of 96.9, further cementing his reputation as one of the best finishers in cricket.
In his illustrious career, de Villiers’s highest score in a successful chase came in 2014 when he played an unbeaten knock of 136* against Australia, helping to chase down a challenging target of 328. This match highlighted his ability to handle high-pressure situations and remain a key player, making him one of the best finishers in cricket.
What truly sets de Villiers apart from others in the game is his consistency in finishing matches. In 28 innings, he remained unbeaten, demonstrating remarkable composure. As a result, he is widely regarded as one of the best finishers South Africa has ever produced. Despite his status, de Villiers has faced contrasting opinions, with some even considering him one of the best finishers in cricket to be one of the most hated cricketers, due to his dominance and unmatched skills. His legacy remains solidified by his ability to finish games with such poise under pressure.
3. Michael Bevan – Australia
Michael Bevan, one of the pioneers of the finisher role in ODI cricket, is remembered for his calmness under pressure and ability to guide Australia to victory in tight situations. His finishing skills made him one of the best finishers in cricket, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s. Bevan’s ability to rotate the strike, find gaps for singles and doubles, and hit the occasional boundary made him a key player in chases. These qualities earned him a reputation as one of the best finishers in cricket.
One of Bevan’s most notable performances came in 1996 against the West Indies, when Australia needed four runs off the last ball to win. Bevan hit a boundary off Roger Harper to secure a thrilling victory, showcasing his skills as one of the best finishers in cricket. His composure under pressure helped him deliver when it mattered most.
In another match against South Africa, Bevan played a crucial part in a partnership that helped Australia successfully chase 285. His finishing ability was pivotal to the chase, cementing his legacy as one of the best finishers in cricket. His achievements, including the first ODI century while batting below number 5, highlight his remarkable impact in the role of a finisher.
With 12 fifties, 3 centuries, and an average of 86.25 in successful run chases, Bevan remains one of the finest finishers in the history of ODI cricket. His consistency and success in closing out games under pressure continue to inspire the next generation of best finishers in cricket.
2. Virat Kohli – India
Virat Kohli is often regarded as one of the best finishers in cricket, particularly in modern-day ODI cricket. Known for his remarkable consistency, Kohli has set the record for the most centuries in successful run chases, amassing 22 hundreds and 22 half-centuries. His ability to finish games under pressure has earned him a place among the best finishers in cricket, with his highest score of 183 coming against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, where he was instrumental in chasing down a challenging total of 330.
One of Kohli’s greatest displays as one of the best finishers in cricket came when he paired up with Gautam Gambhir to chase 321 against Sri Lanka in Hobart. In a match where India needed to chase the target in 40 overs to secure a bonus point, Kohli’s aggressive yet controlled approach guided them to victory in the 37th over. With a stellar strike rate of 97.62 and an average of 89.04 in successful run chases, Kohli has truly solidified his reputation as one of the best finishers in cricket.
1. MS Dhoni – India
MS Dhoni is often hailed as one of the best finishers in cricket, particularly in ODI cricket history. His calm and calculated approach has transformed many tense situations into victories for India. In 75 innings during successful run chases, Dhoni has remained not out 47 times, scoring 2876 runs at an average of 102.71 and a strike rate of 88. His highest score of 183* against Sri Lanka is a testament to his finishing ability, demonstrating why he is considered one of the best finishers in cricket.
Known for his knack of taking games deep and finishing them with style, Dhoni’s ability to stay calm under pressure often proved to be the difference in tight situations. His famous six to seal India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup final is one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Dhoni’s performance in that match, where he promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, highlighted why he is regarded as one of the best finishers in cricket.
His exceptional skills in rotating the strike, power-hitting ability, and strategic thinking during the final stages of a match further cement Dhoni’s legacy as the undisputed king of finishers in ODI cricket. The consistency and class with which he finishes games make him one of the best finishers in cricket history.
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